The effect of Hyperglycaemia on the body – the imbalance of blood sugar

Harshini Thodupunoori 8B

Hyperglycaemia is when there is too much blood sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream. Hyperglycaemia can be a common issue for people with diabetes however people who do not have diabetes can also suffer from hyperglycaemia Glucose is a compound consumed from food. The body needs glucose for cells to respire and release energy, so that our organs can function properly. For glucose to enter the cells, the body needs insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas If there is a lack of insulin, then glucose will build up in the bloodstream. If hyperglycaemia is not treated, then it can become serious, and the patient may have health problems that require emergency care and could even be put into a medical coma. Even if the hyperglycaemia is not severe, it can lead to issues dealing with the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. Hyperglycaemia should be treated when the glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C level) is higher than 7%.

Hyperglycaemia can be caused by pancreatic diseases. The pancreatic cells release insulin and if damaged, the glucose cannot enter the cells. High blood sugar can also be caused by overeating, lack of exercise or diabetes. There are several signs of hyperglycaemia, and some of them can be early signs for diabetes. For example, a hyperglycaemic patient may experience excessive urination and the patient may be diagnosed with a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection). They may want to urinate despite having empty bladders and this could lead to blood in urine or cramps in the groin or lower abdomen. However, there are many causes for UTIs, so it may not necessarily be a sign of high blood sugar. Another sign of hyperglycaemia is excessive thirst which is when the patient’ s kidneys go into ‘overclock mode’ and to get rid of the excessive glucose The body tries to get more water to produce more urine, which can help the body remove the sugar However, if the body needs too much water, then it can pull from tissues and the patient can feel dehydrated. Excessive thirst also is an early sign of diabetes. Other signs of high blood sugar are weight gain, blurred vision, weak immune system, fatigue, and abdominal pain.

There are many lifestyle changes advised when a patient is diagnosed with high blood sugar levels such as avoiding eating sugary foods and to exercise regularly. Also, their doctor may prescribe them medication to lower their blood sugar which they must take regularly.

Shriya Patel 12JPG

Healthcare professionals constantly offer lifesaving treatment to patients in need, but they are sometimes refused on religious, cultural, or social grounds Autonomy is a fundamental ethical notion in healthcare as it allows the patient to decide which treatment they receive, however there is a fine line between the balance of protecting this human right and preserving life for doctors.

Under the Human Rights Act of 1998, the law confirms that autonomy of a competent patient is upheld as they have the right to decide what happens to their own self and refuse medical care, against the advice of a medical professional. A Do Not Resuscitate order is an example of the practice of autonomy in a lifesaving situation, they must be approved by a doctor and written down in medical records. So, violating the DNR by performing CPR would destroy the principle of autonomy and the trust in a patient-doctor relationship, but it could save the patient, allowing them to live for a few more months or years

An example of respecting personal beliefs even if the outcome may be severe is not performing a blood transfusion on a patient whose religious views oppose it, since that individual is thought to have capacity and can make their own decisions. However, someone with anorexia who is undernourished and refuses treatment because they believe nothing is wrong with them, is seen as lacking the capacity to decide.

If a person is incapacitated and unable to understand or communicate their situation, someone else will have to make a potentially lifesaving decision for them against their wishes as they could pose more of a threat to themselves. The Mental Capacity Act (2005) presents a test of capacity where the capacity of a person is assessed by a healthcare professional who asks themselves if the patient has an impairment of their mind or brain and if the impairment means that the patient is not able to make a decision regarding their treatment. Here the balance between Autonomy and Mental Capacity, almost contradicts each other as by following the Mental Capacity Act and deciding for a patient takes away their human right of Autonomy.